Ohtani Makes History: 50th Homer of the Season
From Maris to Ohtani: The Evolution of Home Run Ball Value
When Roger Maris broke Babe Ruth’s record with his 61st home run in 1961, the lucky fan who caught the ball was 19-year-old Sal Durante. Maris, in a gesture of gratitude, suggested that Durante auction the ball to make some money. The ball was eventually sold for $5,000 to Sam Gordon, a California restaurateur, which is equivalent to about 67 million won today.
Years later, Gordon returned the ball to Maris, completing a heartwarming story. The ball is now on display at the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. In contrast, the value of monumental home runs has skyrocketed in recent years. Mark McGwire’s 70th home run ball sold for $3 million in 1998, while Aaron Judge’s 62nd home run ball, which broke Maris’ record in 2022, sold for $1.5 million.
On September 20, Shohei Ohtani set a new record with 50 home runs and 50 stolen bases in baseball history. The fan who caught the 50th home run ball has reportedly decided not to return it to Ohtani. With baseball collectors in the US and Japan expected to participate in the auction, the winning bid is likely to be significant.
The question remains: who should get the home run ball? While fans are there to witness the moment, catching a historic ball can be a life-changing opportunity. However, at that moment, the ball becomes more than just a baseball – it becomes a ‘lotto’ ticket.